Hvac control with a remote user interface and a remote temperature sensor

ABSTRACT

An illustrative HVAC controller may include a communication module for wirelessly communicating with a network and wiring terminals for receiving a wired connection to a remote temperature sensor that is situated remote from the HVAC controller and in a living space of the building. A controller may be operably coupled to the communication module and the wiring terminals and may be configured to implement a thermostat control algorithm to generate one or more control signals, wherein the one or more control signals are provided by a wired connection to the HVAC system to control one or more HVAC components of the HVAC system. The thermostat control algorithm may be configured to compare a sensed temperature received from the remote temperature sensor via the wiring terminals and a temperature setpoint received from the server via the network.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/424,665, filed Feb. 3, 2017, the entire content of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to Heating, Ventilation, and/or AirConditioning (HVAC) systems, and more particularly to control of suchHVAC systems.

BACKGROUND

Heating, Ventilation, and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are oftenused to control the comfort level within a building or other structure.Such HVAC systems typically include an HVAC controller that controlsvarious HVAC components of the HVAC system in order to affect and/orcontrol one or more environmental conditions within the building. Inmany cases, the HVAC controller is mounted within the building andprovides control signals to various HVAC components of the HVAC system.Improvements in the hardware, user experience, and functionality of suchHVAC controllers would be desirable.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates generally to Heating, Ventilation, and/or AirConditioning (HVAC) systems, and more particularly to control of suchHVAC systems. In a particular example, an HVAC controller for an HVACsystem includes a communication module for wirelessly communicating witha network and for establishing communicating with a remote server viathe network. The illustrative HVAC controller includes wiring terminalsfor receiving a wired connection to a remote temperature sensor that issituated remote from the HVAC controller and in the living space of thebuilding. A controller is operably coupled to the communication moduleand the wiring terminals and is configured to implement a thermostatcontrol algorithm to generate one or more control signals. In thisexample, the one or more control signals are provided by a wiredconnection to the HVAC system to control one or more HVAC components ofthe HVAC system. The thermostat control algorithm may be configured tocompare a sensed temperature received from the remote temperature sensorvia the wiring terminals and a temperature setpoint received from theserver via the network.

Another example includes an HVAC controller for an HVAC system. In thisexample, the HVAC controller may include a communication moduleestablishing communicating with a remote server via a network, and alsoto wirelessly communicate with a remote temperature sensor that issituated remote from the HVAC controller and in the living space of thebuilding. A controller is operably coupled to the communication moduleand is configured to implement a thermostat control algorithm togenerate one or more control signals, wherein the one or more controlsignals are provided by a wired connection to the HVAC system to controlone or more HVAC components of the HVAC system. The thermostat controlalgorithm may be configured to use a sensed temperature received fromthe remote temperature sensor via the communication module and atemperature setpoint received from the server via the network.

Another example includes an HVAC controller for an HVAC system. In thisexample, the HVAC controller includes wiring terminals for receiving awired connection to a wireless module that is distinct from the HVACcontroller. The wireless module may be configured to communicate with aremote server via a network. The wiring terminals are also for receivinga wired connection to a remote temperature sensor that is situatedremote from the HVAC controller and in the living space of the building.A controller may be operably coupled to the wiring terminals and may beconfigured to implement a thermostat control algorithm to generate oneor more control signals, wherein the one or more control signals areprovided by a wired connection to the HVAC system to control one or moreHVAC components of the HVAC system. The thermostat control algorithm maybe configured to use a sensed temperature received from the remotetemperature sensor via the wiring terminals and a temperature setpointreceived from the remote server via the wiring terminals by way of thewireless module.

The preceding summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of someof the features of the present disclosure and is not intended to be afull description. A full appreciation of the disclosure can be gained bytaking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as awhole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing description of various illustrative embodiments of thedisclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC system servicing abuilding or other structure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative HVAC controlleruseable with the HVAC system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative forced airfurnace that may form part of the HVAC system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative HVAC controlleruseable with the HVAC system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative HVAC controlleruseable with the HVAC system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC control system;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC control system;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC control system;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC control system;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC control system; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC control system.

While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of examplein the drawings and will be described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of thedisclosure to the particular illustrative embodiments described. On thecontrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawingswherein like reference numerals indicate like elements. The drawings,which are not necessarily to scale, are not intended to limit the scopeof the disclosure. In some of the figures, elements not believednecessary to an understanding of relationships among illustratedcomponents may have been omitted for clarity.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a building 10 having an illustrativeHeating, Ventilation, and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) system 12. While insome cases the HVAC system 12 may be a forced air furnace 14, it will beappreciated that other types of HVAC systems are contemplated including,but not limited to, boiler systems, radiant heating systems, electricheating systems, cooling systems, heat pump systems, and/or any othersuitable type of HVAC system, as desired. The illustrative HVAC system12 of FIG. 1 may include additional components, including but notlimited to ductwork and air vents. Examples of additional components mayalso include one or more of a heat pump, an electric heat pump, ageothermal heat pump, an electric heating unit, an air conditioningunit, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air exchanger, an air cleaner, adamper, a valve, and/or the like.

The illustrative furnace 14 includes an HVAC controller 16 that may beconfigured to operate the furnace 14 (or other manifestations of theHVAC system 12). In some cases, the HVAC controller 16 may be integratedinto a furnace control board of the furnace 14. The HVAC controller 16may communicate wirelessly with, for example, a router 18 that ispositioned somewhere within or around the building 10. The HVACcontroller 16 may communicate with the router 18 using any suitablewireless communication protocols including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi,IrDA, IEEE 802.15.4, ZigBee, Bluetooth, dedicated short rangecommunication (DSRC), EnOcean, and GSM or LTE cellular communicationand/or any other standard or proprietary wireless protocol, as desired.

In some cases, the functions of a traditional thermostat may be dividedout into distinct components. In some cases, for example, the building10 may include one or more temperature sensors 20 a-20 b that may beplaced about the living space of the building 10 and may communicatewirelessly with the router 18, and then with the remotely located HVACcontroller 16. In some cases, one or more temperature sensors 20 a-20 bmay be operatively connected the HVAC controller 16 via a wiredconnection. In some cases, there may only be a single temperature sensorwithin the building 10. In some cases, there may be two, three, four ormore distinct temperature sensors within the building 10, each sensinglocal temperatures and communicating the same to the HVAC controller 16.When so provided, it is contemplated that the temperature sensors 20 a,20 b may communicate with the router 18 via any wireless communicationprotocols including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, IrDA, IEEE 802.15.4,ZigBee, Bluetooth, dedicated short range communication (DSRC), EnOcean,and GSM or LTE cellular communication and/or any other suitable standardor proprietary wireless protocol, as desired. In some cases, thetemperature sensors 20 a, 20 b may communicate directly with the HVACcontroller 16 without a need for the router 18 via any suitable wirelesscommunication protocol including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, IrDA, IEEE802.15.4, ZigBee, Bluetooth, dedicated short range communication (DSRC),EnOcean, and GSM or LTE cellular communication and/or any other suitablestandard or proprietary wireless protocol, as desired. In some cases,one or more of the temperature sensors 20 a, 20 b may communicatedirectly with the HVAC controller 16 via a wired connection (e.g. wireswithin the walls of the building).

In some cases, a smartphone may be used to provide a user interface forthe HVAC controller 16. As illustrated, there is a first smartphone 22 ashown within the building 10, communicating wirelessly with the router18, as well as a second smartphone 22 b, which is remote from thebuilding 10 and which communicates via a cellular and/or data network24. It will be appreciated that there is no requirement for twosmartphones. Rather, this is intended to indicate that a user mayutilize a user interface displayable on their smartphone regardless ofwhether the user is inside the building 10, as represented by the firstsmartphone 22 a, or remote from the building 10, as represented by thesecond smartphone 22 b. A person at home within the building 10 may usetheir smartphone 22 a to raise or lower a temperature setpoint, forexample. A person at work, away from the building 10, may use theirsmartphone 22 b to change a temperature setpoint to an away temperaturesetpoint, or to turn equipment on or off, for example. In some cases,the first smartphone 22 a may communicate directly with the HVACcontroller 16 (e.g. not through an intervening router 18) via anysuitable wireless communication protocol including, but not limited to,Wi-Fi, IrDA, IEEE 802.15.4, ZigBee, Bluetooth, dedicated short rangecommunication (DSRC), EnOcean, and GSM or LTE cellular communicationand/or any other suitable standard or proprietary wireless protocol, asdesired. In some cases, the second smartphone 22 b may communicate withthe HVAC controller 16 through a cellular and/or other network 24 andthe router 18.

It is contemplated that the HVAC controller 16 may be configured tocontrol the comfort level in the living space of the building or otherstructure 10 by activating and deactivating the HVAC system 12 in acontrolled manner. The HVAC controller 16 may implement a thermostatcontrol algorithm to generate one or more control signals, wherein theone or more control signals are provided by a wired connection 86 to theHVAC system 12 to control one or more HVAC components of the HVAC system12. In some cases, the HVAC controller 16 may include a schedule of timeperiods and temperature setpoints to be used for each time period. Insome instances, this scheduling information may be received, enteredand/or changed using a smartphone such as the first smartphone 22 a orthe second smartphone 22 b. In some cases, a current setpoint can bechanged using a smartphone such as the first smartphone 22 a or thesecond smartphone 22 b.

In some cases, the HVAC system 12 may include a temperature sensor 26that can be located near the HVAC system 12. In some instances, the HVACcontroller 16 is located in a utility room of the building in or nearthe HVAC system 12, and the temperature sensor 26 may be located in anearby return air duct of the HVAC system 12 in order to provide anindication of a current air temperature within the living space of thebuilding 10. In some instances, in order to provide temperatureinformation to the HVAC controller 16 in the event that communication islost between the HVAC controller 16 and the temperature sensors 20 a, 20b, the temperature sensor 26 may be connected to the HVAC controller 16via a reliable wired connection 28.

While FIG. 1 generally indicates a first smartphone 22 a and a secondsmartphone 22 b, it will be appreciated that remote access and/orcontrol of the HVAC controller 16 may be provided via a variety ofremote wireless devices including, but not limited to, mobile phonesincluding smart phones, tablet computers, laptop or personal computers,smart watches, wireless network-enabled key fobs, e-readers, and/or thelike.

In some cases, an application program code (i.e. app) stored in thememory of the first smartphone 22 a and/or the second smartphone 22 bmay be used to remotely access and/or control the HVAC controller 16.The application program code (app) may be downloaded from an externalweb service, such as a web service hosted by an external web server(e.g. Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™ web service) or another external webservice (e.g. ITUNES® or Google Play). In some cases, the app mayprovide a remote user interface for interacting with the HVAC controller16 at the first smartphone 22 a and/or the second smartphone 22 b. Forexample, through the user interface provided by the app, a user may beable to change operating parameter settings such as, for example,temperature set points for one or more areas of the building, humidityset points, start times, end times, schedules, window frost protectionsettings, accept software updates and/or the like. These are justexamples.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an HVAC controller 30 that may beconsidered as being an illustrative but non-limiting example of the HVACcontroller 16 (FIG. 1). The HVAC controller 30 is for controlling anHVAC system 78 that is configured to condition a living space within abuilding (such as the building 10 of FIG. 1) via one or more HVACcomponents 80, 82. The illustrative HVAC controller 30 includes acommunication module 32 for wirelessly communicating with a network 34such as a cellular or data network 24 shown in FIG. 1 or perhaps ahome's wireless network (e.g. a Wifi network). The communication module32 is configured to establish communication with a remote server 35 viathe network 34, sometimes through a local router or gateway. In somecases, the communication module 32 may include a WiFi transceiver forcommunicating with the network 34 via a local router or gateway.

Wiring terminals 36 of the HVAC controller 30 may receive a wiredconnection 38 to a remote temperature sensor 40 that is situated remotefrom the HVAC controller 30 and in the living space of the building. Insome cases, the HVAC controller 30 is located in a utility room of thebuilding in or near the HVAC system 78. A controller 42 may be operablycoupled to the communication module 32 and the wiring terminals 36, andmay be configured to implement a thermostat control algorithm togenerate one or more control signals. The one or more control signalsmay be provided to the HVAC system 78 by a wired connection 86 and maycontrol one or more HVAC components 80, 82 of the HVAC system 78. Insome cases, the thermostat control algorithm is configured to compare asensed temperature received from the remote temperature sensor 40 viathe wiring terminals 36 of the HVAC controller 30 and a temperaturesetpoint received from the server 35 via the network 34.

In some cases, the HVAC controller 30 may not include any on-boardtemperature sensor that could be used by the thermostat controlalgorithm in generating the one or more control signals. In some cases,the HVAC controller 30 may be implemented at least in part by a controlboard of one of the one or more HVAC components of the HVAC system (e.g.a furnace control board). In some cases, the HVAC controller 30 may beimplemented at least in part by an Equipment Interface Module (EIM) thatis wired to one or more HVAC components 80, 82 of the HVAC system 78.The EIM may be mounted near but outside of the HVAC system 78 and mayprovide control signals via control wires to one or more HVAC components80, 82 of the HVAC system 78. In some cases, the HVAC controller 30 maybe powered by a transformer of the HVAC system 78. In some cases, theone or more HVAC components 80, 82 of the HVAC system may include afurnace, and the HVAC controller 30 may be implemented at least in partby a furnace control board of the furnace. In some cases, a furnace mayinclude a furnace housing, and the furnace control board may be locatedinside of the furnace housing.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic block diagram of a forced air furnace 50that may be considered as being an example of the HVAC system 12 shownin FIG. 1. The illustrative forced air furnace 50 includes a housing 52.A return air duct 54 enters the housing 52 and a supply air duct 56exits the housing 52. The forced air furnace 50 may include a burner 60that is situated within the housing 52. A heat exchanger 58 is situatedwithin the housing 52 and is thermally coupled to the burner 60. In somecases, the heat exchanger 58 provides a thermal connection between theheated exhaust gases from the burner 60 and the air traveling throughthe furnace 50 from the return air duct 54 to the supply air duct 56. Insome cases, the heated exhaust gases travel through the heat exchanger58 on their way to an exhaust (not illustrated), thereby heating thesurfaces of the heat exchanger 58. The air passing from the return airduct 54 to the supply air duct 56 travels over the heated surfaces ofthe heat exchanger 58 and thus the air is heated prior to exiting theforced air furnace 50 via the supply air duct 56. A blower 62facilitates air movement across the heat exchanger 58 and through theforced air furnace 50.

In the example shown, a gas valve 64 provides a source of gas such asnatural gas, propane or the like from a centralized gas source to theburner 60. The burner 60 burns the gas provided by the gas valve 64 toprovide heat. In some cases, an HVAC controller 66 may be situatedwithin the HVAC housing 52 and may be operatively coupled to the gasvalve 64 and the blower 62. In some cases, the HVAC controller 66 mayinclude a furnace control board 67. The HVAC controller 66 may include acommunication port 68 that may be configured to receive, such aswirelessly receive, a temperature value from a remote wireless sensor ora remote wired sensor. In some cases, the communication port 68 mayinclude wiring terminals for receiving a wired connection to a remotesensor. In some cases, the communication port 68 may be configured towirelessly communicate with a mobile wireless device that may provide auser interface for interacting with the HVAC controller 66. In somecases, the communication port 68 may include an antenna (not shown) forsupporting wireless communication. In some cases, the antenna may extendoutside of the housing 52, especially when the housing includes metal.

In some cases, the HVAC controller 66 may be configured to control thegas valve 64 and the blower 62 based at least in part on the receivedtemperature value and on a stored temperature setpoint. In some cases,the HVAC controller 66 may implement a thermostat control algorithm tocontrol the gas valve 64 and the blower 62 in an attempt to keep thereceived temperature value within a predetermined dead band of thestored temperature setpoint. The predetermined dead band may be aninstaller-specified parameter, a factory-specified parameter or in somecases may be a user-specified parameter. In some cases, the HVACcontroller 66 may be configured to control the gas valve 64 and theblower 62 based at least in part on the received temperature valueunless the received temperature sensor value is currently unavailable(e.g. wireless communication link is down, etc.). If the receivedtemperature sensor value is unavailable, the HVAC controller 66 may beconfigured to automatically control the gas valve 64 and the blower 62based at least in part on a temperature value received from a return airtemperature sensor, such as the return air sensor 55 (FIG. 3). In somecases, the HVAC controller 66 may be distinct from a furnace controlboard 67. In some cases, the HVAC controller 66 may represent thefurnace control board or may be manifested on the furnace control board67.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an HVAC controller 70 that may beconsidered as being an illustrative but non-limiting example of the HVACcontroller 16 (FIG. 1). The controller 70 is for an HVAC system that isconfigured to condition a living space within a building (such as thebuilding 10 of FIG. 1) and includes a communication module 72 forwirelessly communicating with a remote server 35 via the network 34. Thecommunication module 72 may be configured to wirelessly communicate witha remote temperature sensor 74 that is situated remote from the HVACcontroller 70 and within the living space of the building 10. In somecases, the communication module 72 may include a first transceiver 90for communicating with the network 34 using a first communicationprotocol and a second transceiver 92 for communicating with the remotetemperature sensor 74 using a second communication protocol. In someinstances, the second transceiver 92 may consume less power than thefirst transceiver 90 during wireless communication. In some cases, thefirst communication protocol may be Wifi, and the second communicationprotocol may be low energy Bluetooth, IrDA or any other suitablestandard or proprietary wireless protocol. Alternatively, or inaddition, the second communication protocol may include a controllablerefresh rate, such that the temperature sensed by the remote temperaturesensor 74 may only be transmitted at a predetermined interval or upon apredetermined change in the sensed temperature. This may be particularlyuseful when the remote temperature sensor 74 is powered by a battery orthe like.

A controller 76 may be operably coupled to the communication module 72and may be configured to implement a thermostat control algorithm togenerate one or more control signals. The one or more control signalsmay be provided to the HVAC system 78 by a wired connection 84 tocontrol one or more HVAC components 80, 82 of the HVAC system 78. Insome cases, the thermostat control algorithm may be configured to use asensed temperature received from the remote temperature sensor 74 viathe communication module 72 and a temperature setpoint received from theserver 35 via the network 34.

In some cases, the HVAC controller 70 may not include any on-boardtemperature sensor that could be used by the thermostat controlalgorithm in generating the one or more control signals. In some cases,the HVAC controller 70 may be implemented at least in part by a controlboard of one of the one or more HVAC components 80, 82 of the HVACsystem 78. In some instances, one of the one or more HVAC components mayinclude a furnace (such as the furnace 50 shown in FIG. 3), and the HVACcontroller 70 may be implemented at least in part by a furnace controlboard 67 of the furnace 50. In some cases, the furnace control board 67may be located inside of the furnace housing 52.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an HVAC controller 100 that maybe considered as being an illustrative but non-limiting example of thecontroller 16 (FIG. 1). The controller 100 is for an HVAC system 78 thatis configured to condition a living space within a building (such as thebuilding 10 of FIG. 1) and includes a wiring terminal block 102. In somecases, the wiring terminal block 102 may include wiring terminals 104for receiving a wired connection 106 to a wireless module 108 that isdistinct from the HVAC controller 100 as well as wiring terminals 110for receiving a wired connection 112 to a remote temperature sensor 40that is situated remote from the HVAC controller 100 and in the livingspace of the building 10. In some cases, the wireless module 108 may beconfigured to communicate with the remote 35 server via the network 34.

A controller 114 may be operably coupled to the wiring terminal block102 and may be configured to implement a thermostat control algorithm togenerate one or more control signals, wherein the one or more controlsignals are provided by a wired connection 116 to the HVAC system 78 tocontrol one or more HVAC components 80, 82 of the HVAC system 78. Thethermostat control algorithm may be configured to use a sensedtemperature received from the remote temperature sensor 40 via thewiring terminals 110 and a temperature setpoint received from the remoteserver 35 via the wiring terminals 104 by way of the wireless module.108. In some cases, the HVAC controller 100 can only access the network34 via the wiring terminal block 102 by way of the wireless module 108.In some cases, the HVAC controller 100 may also include a communicationmodule 118 for wirelessly communicating with the network 34, and theHVAC controller 100 can access the network 34 via the communicationmodule 118 and via the wiring terminal block 102 by way of the wirelessmodule 108.

FIGS. 6 through 11 provide other example HVAC control systems. FIG. 6 isa schematic block diagram of an HVAC control system 120 that may, forexample, be used in controlling operation of the HVAC system 78 (FIGS.2, 4 and 5). The HVAC control system 120 includes an HVAC controller 122that is operably coupled to a WiFi module 124 via a wired connection126. In some cases, as illustrated, the WiFi module 124 may include awireless antenna 138. In some cases, as illustrated, the wiredconnection 126 may include at least two power lines, such as an R lineand a C line, as well as a data line D. The data line D may be used totransfer data between the WiFi module 124 and the HVAC controller 122. Aroom temperature sensor 128 may be disposed elsewhere in the building inorder to provide an indication of temperature within the living space,for example, and in the example shown may be hard wired to the WiFimodule 124 via a wired connection 130. The WiFi module 124 maycommunicate the room temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 128 tothe HVAC controller 122 across the data line D. In some cases, more thanone data line may be provided, as desired.

A user is able to communicate with the WiFi module 124, and thuscommunicate with the HVAC controller 122, via a router 132 and cloud134. The user may use a smartphone 136 to communicate with the cloud134, and via the cloud 134 through the router 132 to the WiFi module124. The WiFi module 124 may then communication with the HVAC controller122. In some cases, the smartphone 136 may include an executable programthat causes the smartphone 136 to provide a user interface that enablesthe user to increase or decrease a temperature setpoint, enter or editparameters for a programmable schedule, enter or edit geofencingparameters, and the like. In some cases, the HVAC controller 122 may notinclude a user interface, or in some cases may only include arudimentary user interface that permits simple edits only such as onlychanging the current temperature setpoint. In some cases, the WiFimodule 124 may not include a user interface either.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an HVAC control system 140 thatmay, for example, be used in controlling operation of the HVAC system 78(FIGS. 2, 4 and 5). The illustrative HVAC control system 140 includes anHVAC controller 142 that itself includes a wireless module with awireless antenna 138 for wireless communication. A room temperaturesensor 128 may be disposed elsewhere in the building in order to providean indication of temperature within the living space, for example, andmay be hard wired to the HVAC controller 142 via a wired connection 130.

A user is able to communicate with the HVAC controller 142, via therouter 132 and cloud 134. The user may use the smartphone 136 tocommunicate with the cloud 134, and via the cloud 134 through the router132 to the HVAC controller 142. In some cases, the smartphone 136 mayinclude an executable program that causes the smartphone 136 to providea user interface that enables the user to increase or decrease atemperature setpoint, enter or edit parameters for a programmableschedule, enter or edit geofencing parameters, and the like. In somecases, the HVAC controller 142 may not include a user interface, or insome cases may only include a rudimentary user interface that permitssimple edits only such as only changing the current temperaturesetpoint.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an HVAC control system 150 thatmay, for example, be used in controlling operation of the HVAC system 78(FIGS. 2, 4 and 5). The illustrative HVAC control system 150 includesthe HVAC controller 122 that is operably coupled to a user interfacemodule 152 via a wired connection 154. In some cases, the wiredconnection 154 may include at least two power lines, such as an R lineand a C line, as well as a data line D. The data line D may be used totransfer data between the user interface module 152 and the HVACcontroller 122. In some cases, more than one data line may be provided,as desired. The user interface 152 includes the wireless module with anantenna 138 for wireless communication with a router 132.

In some cases, the user interface 152 may be located in the living spaceof the building and may provide a full function user interface forprogramming the HVAC controller 122. For example, the user interface 152may allow a user to enter, edit and view various parameters of the HVACcontroller 122 such as a programmable schedule, set points, geofencingparameters and the like. In some cases, the user interface 152 may onlyallow a user to enter, edit and/or view a limited set of parameters,such the current temperature setpoint. When so provided, the smart phone136 may be used to enter, edit and/or view all of the parameters of theHVAC controller 122. In some instances, the user interface 152 may becentrally located at a convenient place within the building. In somecases, the user interface 152 may take an appearance similar to atraditional HVAC controller, but may not include an on-board temperaturesensor or a controller that implements a thermostat control algorithmfor generating control signals to directly operate HVAC equipment. Insome cases, the user interface 152 may be a display panel that may beused to enter, edit and/or view parameters for HVAC, security,audio/visual and other systems in the building 10.

In the example shown, a user is able to communicate with the userinterface module 152, and thus communicate with the HVAC controller 122,via the router 132 and cloud 134. The user may use the smartphone 136 tocommunicate with the cloud 134, and via the cloud 134 through the router132 to the user interface module 152. The user interface module 152 maythen communication with the HVAC controller 122. In some cases, thesmartphone 136 may include an executable program that causes thesmartphone 136 to provide a user interface that enables the user toincrease or decrease a temperature setpoint, enter or edit parametersfor a programmable schedule, enter or edit geofencing parameters, andthe like. In some cases, the HVAC controller 122 may not include a userinterface, or in some cases may only include a rudimentary userinterface that permits simple edits only such as only changing thecurrent temperature setpoint.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an HVAC control system 160 thatmay be considered as combining particular features of the HVAC controlsystem 140 (FIG. 7) and the HVAC control system 150 (FIG. 8). The HVACcontrol system 160 combines the HVAC controller 142, including awireless module that has a wireless antenna 138 for wirelesscommunication, with an (optional) user interface module 152. A roomtemperature sensor 128 may be disposed elsewhere in the building inorder to provide an indication of temperature within the living space,for example, and may be hard wired to the HVAC controller 142 via awired connection 130.

A user is able to communicate with the HVAC controller 142, via therouter 132 and cloud 134. The user may use the smartphone 136 tocommunicate with the cloud 134, and via the cloud 134 through the router132 to the HVAC controller 142. In some cases, the smartphone 136 mayinclude an executable program that causes the smartphone 136 to providea user interface that enables the user to increase or decrease atemperature setpoint, enter or edit parameters for a programmableschedule, enter or edit geofencing parameters, and the like. In somecases, the HVAC controller 142 may not include a user interface, or insome cases may only include a rudimentary user interface that permitssimple edits only such as only changing the current temperaturesetpoint. In some cases, if the optional user interface module 152 ispresent, the user may be able to use the user interface module 152 toincrease or decrease a temperature setpoint, enter or edit parametersfor a programmable schedule, enter or edit geofencing parameters, andthe like. These changed parameters may be communicated from the optionaluser interface module 152 to the HVAC controller 142 via the router 132as shown, or through a direct wireless communication path between thetwo devices. In some cases, the optional user interface module 152 maybe battery powered, powered by line voltage, or powered from atransformer of the HVAC controller 142 via a wired connection 154.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an HVAC control system 170 thatmay be considered as being similar to the HVAC control system 160 (FIG.9), but with two additions. In FIG. 10, the HVAC controller 142 may bein wireless communication with a remote temperature sensor 174. This mayprovide advantages in sensor positioning relative to a wired temperaturesensor, for example. The other addition to the HVAC control system 170is a hub 172. The hub 172 may provide a wireless network by which theHVAC controller 122, the (optional) user interface module 152 and/orother components (e.g. remote temperature sensor 174) may communicate.In some cases, the hub 172 may be part of a smart house in whichmultiple systems and components are able to communicate. In some cases,the hub may support a 900 MHz network, a Wifi Network, or any othersuitable network as desired.

A user is able to communicate with the HVAC controller 142, via therouter 132 and cloud 134. The user may use the smartphone 136 tocommunicate with the cloud 134, and via the cloud 134 through the router132 to the HVAC controller 142 and/or the user interface module 152 (ifpresent). In some cases, the smartphone 136 may include an executableprogram that causes the smartphone 136 to provide a user interface thatenables the user to increase or decrease a temperature setpoint, enteror edit parameters for a programmable schedule, enter or edit geofencingparameters, and the like. In some cases, the HVAC controller 142 may notinclude a user interface, or in some cases may only include arudimentary user interface that permits simple edits only such as onlychanging the current temperature setpoint. In some cases, if theoptional user interface module 152 is present, the user may be able toutilize the user interface module 152 to perform certain functions, suchas increase or decrease a temperature setpoint, enter or edit parametersfor a programmable schedule, enter or edit geofencing parameters, andthe like.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an HVAC control system 180 thatmay, for example, be used in controlling operation of the HVAC system 78(FIGS. 2, 4 and 5). The HVAC control system 180 includes an HVACcontroller 182 that is operably coupled to a simple user interface 184.The simple user interface 184 includes a wired connection 185 to theHVAC controller 182, which in this case includes a R line (Power), a Wline (Heat), a Y line (Cool) and a G line (Fan). In some cases, thesimple user interface 184 may be a mechanical interface that has apotentiometer for adjusting the resistance of resistor 186, a fan switch188 and a mode switch 189. When the fan switch 188 is closed, power fromthe R line is directed to the G line (Fan). When the G line is asserted,the HVAC controller 182 may turn the fan on. When the mode switch is setto heat mode, a voltage and/or current that is dependent on theresistance of resistor 186 is provided down the W line (Heat). Theresistance of the resistor 186 is dependent upon the position of thepotentiometer, which is used by the user to set the set point. The HVACcontroller 182 may translate the voltage and/or current on the W line(Heat) into a corresponding heat set point, and may then control theHVAC system using that heat set point. When the mode switch is set tocool mode, a voltage and/or current that is dependent on the resistanceof resistor 186 is provided down the Y line (Cool). The resistance ofthe resistor 186 is dependent upon the position of the potentiometer,which is used by the user to set the set point. The HVAC controller 182may translate the voltage and/or current on the Y line (Cool) into acorresponding cool set point, and may then control the HVAC system usingthat cool set point.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure maybe manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodimentsdescribed and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departure in form anddetail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent disclosure as described in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An HVAC controller for an HVAC system that isconfigured to condition a living space within a building, the HVACcontroller comprising: a communication module for wirelesslycommunicating with a network, the communication module is configured toestablish communication with a remote server via the network; wiringterminals for receiving a wired connection to a remote temperaturesensor that is situated remote from the HVAC controller and in theliving space of the building; a controller operably coupled to thecommunication module and the wiring terminals, the controller isconfigured to implement a thermostat control algorithm to generate oneor more control signals, wherein the one or more control signals areprovided by a wired connection to the HVAC system to control one or moreHVAC components of the HVAC system; and the thermostat control algorithmis configured to compare a sensed temperature received from the remotetemperature sensor via the wiring terminals and a temperature setpointreceived from the server via the network.
 2. The HVAC controller ofclaim 1, wherein the HVAC controller is free from an on-boardtemperature sensor that is used by the thermostat control algorithm togenerate the one or more control signals.
 3. The HVAC controller ofclaim 1, wherein the HVAC controller is implemented at least in part bya control board of one of the one or more HVAC components of the HVACsystem.
 4. The HVAC controller of claim 3, wherein the one or more HVACcomponents of the HVAC system comprises a furnace, and the HVACcontroller is implemented at least in part by a furnace control board ofthe furnace.
 5. The HVAC controller of claim 4, wherein the furnacecomprises a furnace housing, and wherein the furnace control board islocated inside of the furnace housing.
 6. The HVAC controller of claim1, wherein one or more HVAC components of the HVAC system comprises afurnace, and the furnace comprises: a furnace housing; a burner situatedinside of the furnace housing; a heat exchanger situated inside of thefurnace housing and thermally coupled to the burner; a blower situatedinside of the furnace housing for providing air across the heatexchanger; a gas valve for providing gas to the burner; and a furnacecontroller situated inside of the furnace housing for controlling thegas valve and the blower, wherein the HVAC controller is implemented atleast in part by the furnace controller.
 7. The HVAC controller of claim1, wherein the HVAC controller is implemented at least in part by anEquipment Interface Module (EIM) that is wired to one or more HVACcomponents of the HVAC system.
 8. The HVAC controller of claim 1,wherein the communication module comprises a Wifi transceiver forcommunicating with the network.
 9. The HVAC controller of claim 1,wherein the HVAC controller is powered by a transformer of the HVACsystem.
 10. An HVAC controller for an HVAC system that is configured tocondition a living space within a building, the HVAC controllercomprising: a communication module for wirelessly communicating with anetwork, the communication module is configured to communicate with aremote server via the network, the communication module is alsoconfigured to wirelessly communicate with a remote temperature sensorthat is situated remote from the HVAC controller and in the living spaceof the building; a controller operably coupled to the communicationmodule, the controller is configured to implement a thermostat controlalgorithm to generate one or more control signals, wherein the one ormore control signals are provided by a wired connection to the HVACsystem to control one or more HVAC components of the HVAC system; andthe thermostat control algorithm is configured to use a sensedtemperature received from the remote temperature sensor via thecommunication module and a temperature setpoint received from the remoteserver via the network.
 11. The HVAC controller of claim 10, wherein theHVAC controller is free from an on-board temperature sensor that is usedby the thermostat control algorithm to generate the one or more controlsignals.
 12. The HVAC controller of claim 10, wherein the HVACcontroller is implemented at least in part by a control board of one ofthe one or more HVAC components of the HVAC system.
 13. The HVACcontroller of claim 12, wherein the one or more HVAC components of theHVAC system comprises a furnace, and the HVAC controller is implementedat least in part by a furnace control board of the furnace.
 14. The HVACcontroller of claim 13, wherein the furnace comprises a furnace housing,and wherein the furnace control board is located inside of the furnacehousing.
 15. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the communicationmodule comprises a first transceiver for communicating with the networkusing a first communication protocol and a second transceiver forcommunicating with the remote temperature sensor using a secondcommunication protocol.
 16. The HVAC controller of claim 15, wherein thesecond transceiver consumes less power than the first transceiver duringwireless communication.
 17. An HVAC controller for an HVAC system thatis configured to condition a living space within a building, the HVACcontroller comprising: wiring terminals for receiving a wired connectionto a wireless module that is distinct from the HVAC controller, thewireless module is configured to communicate with a remote server via anetwork; the wiring terminals also for receiving a wired connection to aremote temperature sensor that is situated remote from the HVACcontroller and in the living space of the building; a controlleroperably coupled to the wiring terminals, the controller is configuredto implement a thermostat control algorithm to generate one or morecontrol signals, wherein the one or more control signals are provided bya wired connection to the HVAC system to control one or more HVACcomponents of the HVAC system; and the thermostat control algorithm isconfigured to use a sensed temperature received from the remotetemperature sensor via the wiring terminals and a temperature setpointreceived from the remote server via the wiring terminals by way of thewireless module.
 18. The HVAC controller of claim 17, wherein the wiredconnection between the HVAC controller and the wireless module comprisesat least two power lines and at least one data line.
 19. The HVACcontroller of claim 17, wherein the HVAC controller can only access thenetwork via the wiring terminals by way of the wireless module.
 20. TheHVAC controller of claim 17, wherein the HVAC controller furthercomprises a communication module for wirelessly communicating with thenetwork, and wherein the HVAC controller can access the network via thecommunication module and via the wiring terminals by way of the wirelessmodule.